Google Expands Gemini-Powered Duplex AI for Automated Retail and Booking Calls

Google expands Duplex AI to AI Mode in the U.S., allowing the Gemini-powered agent to call stores for stock checks and book restaurant reservations automatically.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 10:40 AM EDT

Source: etstream

Evolution from Shopping Assistant to AI Mode Agent

The current rollout builds upon a foundation established in mid-November 2025, when Google Duplex was first introduced as a specialized capability for Google Shopping in the United States. Initially focused on retail assistance, the feature allowed users to check product availability without making a call. Its expansion into AI Mode signifies a broader application of "agentic" AI, where the system transitions from merely providing information to executing complex, multi-step tasks in the background.

Real-Time Inventory and Pricing Verification

One of the most practical applications of the updated Duplex service is its ability to verify local product data. When users search for specific items at nearby retailers, they are presented with a "Let Google call" option. By selecting this, Gemini initiates a call to the store to inquire about:

Real-time product stock levels

Current retail pricing